Farmers and other agricultural chemical users now have access to CropLife Australia’s updated 2015 Resistance Management Strategies for fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. The world’s best-practice strategies provide crucial and timely advice on managing pests, weeds and disease in crops sustainably.

“Access to the most up-to-date and accurate advice on how to use crop protection products safely, responsibly and sustainably is crucial for farmers,” said Matthew Cossey, Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia. “CropLife’s Resistance Management Strategies are developed each year by scientific and technical review committees made up of members with expert knowledge on the use of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.”

“Emerging resistance issues such as the herbicide resistant sowthistle in South Australia and fungicide resistant stripe rust in grain observed in southern Western Australia need to be managed appropriately to ensure innovative crop protection tools remain effective for as long as possible. The official strategies released by CropLife help farmers delay and prevent development of resistant pests, weeds and diseases that can harm farm productivity and natural ecosystems.

“CropLife Australia and its members are committed to responsible and world’s best practice stewardship of crop protection products to ensure the ongoing sustainability and profitability of Australia’s agriculture industry. The plant science industry invests considerable resources and hundreds of millions of dollars into research and development of products to ensure economically viable and environmentally sustainable crop protection solutions that are most effective when used in accordance to the approved labels.

“This commitment extends to the responsible and ethical management of industry products throughout their lifecycle. This includes ensuring that agricultural chemical users have all the information they need on how to prevent pesticide resistance and use products in a way that protects themselves, their farms and the local community,” said Mr Cossey.

“CropLife Australia members also contribute millions of dollars annually in industry stewardship activities including Agsafe’s drumMUSTER, ChemClear® and Accreditation and Training programs. Agsafe is CropLife Australia’s wholly owned subsidiary and its programs were established and initially funded by CropLife member companies to ensure the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship of the industries products.

“Australian farmers have a proud tradition of embracing world-class farming practices to manage resistance as well as to protect pollinators and get the best value for money. Pests, weeds and insects are a constant threat to our nation’s food, feed and fibre production. Strategies such as those released today equip farmers with methods to ensure they maintain the effectiveness of crucial crop protection tools. Following CropLife’s Resistance Management Strategies can help farmers prevent loss of future crops, income, and damage to their land.

“The purpose of these strategies is to foster the responsible, sustainable use of crop protection products; thereby extending the life of these vital farming tools which are vital to the economic and environmental sustainability of Australian agriculture,” Mr Cossey concluded.